Vertical multi-tamping cigarette herb filling system and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus can include a holder plate and a carriage assembly. The holder plate includes a plurality of through-holes configured to receive containers having an interior cavity. The carriage assembly comprises one or more carriage plates and tamper rods, the carriage plates having a plurality of through-holes. Each of the tamper rods can be slidably disposed in a respective one of the plurality of through-holes of the carriage plate. Each of the tamper rods can be independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the tamper rods and can be independently movable relative to the other of the tamper rods. The carriage assembly can be configured to be aligned with the holder plate such that the each of the tamper rods provides a compressive force to a filler material within the interior cavity of each of the containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2017/024638, filed Mar. 28, 2017, and titled “Vertical Multi-Tamping Cigarette Herb Filling System and Method,” which in turn claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/314,033, filed Mar. 28, 2016 and titled “Vertical Multi Tamping Cigarette Herb Filling System and Method”; each of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to herb insertion systems and methods and more specifically to herb insertion systems and methods for introducing smoking herbs into empty smoking article tubes (e.g., paper rolls) and smoking cones.

BACKGROUND

Herb insertion and rolling machines such as those for inserting smoking herbs into empty smoking article tubes are becoming quite popular. One reason for this increased popularity is because finished products like cigarettes are expensive and have been taxed heavily in the recent past. Thus, it has become less expensive for users to fill their own empty smoking article tubes with smoking herbs.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of herb insertion systems and methods can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a holder plate and a carriage assembly. The holder plate can have a first side and a second side and can define a plurality of through-holes extending from the first side to the second side. Each through-hole is configured to receive a container of a plurality of containers. Each container of the plurality of containers has a first open end, a second end closed by a filter, and an interior cavity between the first open end and the filter. Each through-hole is configured to maintain one the plurality of containers in an upright position relative to a support surface. The carriage assembly can include at least one carriage plate and a plurality of tamper rods, the at least one carriage plate defining a plurality of through-holes. Each of the plurality of tamper rods can be slidably disposed in a respective one of the plurality of through-holes of the at least one carriage plate. Each of the plurality of tamper rods can be independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the plurality of tamper rods and can be independently movable relative to the other of the plurality of tamper rods. The carriage assembly can be configured to be aligned with the holder plate such that the each of the plurality of tamper rods can be slidably disposed within a respective one of the plurality of containers to provide a compressive force to a filler material within the interior cavity of each respective one of the plurality of containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of a perspective view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view, respectively, of an empty smoking article tube, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a holder plate coupled to a base board, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3C are a top view, perspective view, and side view, respectively, of an alignment peg, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the holder plate and the base board with four alignment pegs, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are side views of the holder plate and the base board with alignment pegs in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

FIG. 4B illustrates the alignment pegs fully inserted in through thick holder plate into the base board in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D are various views of the holder plate and base board with a number of empty smoking article tubes in various stages of insertion.

FIGS. 6A-6C are a top view, a perspective view, and a side view of a cover plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the cover plate prior to engagement with the holder plate.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the cover plate engaged with the holder plate.

FIGS. 9A-10B show a holder plate assembly relative to a compression assembly in a disengaged configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9A and 9B) and an engaged configuration (e.g., FIGS. 10A-10B), according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and perspective views of a portion of a support frame assembly in a partially assembly configuration, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12D are a side, perspective, front, and top view, respectively, of one of the vertical side post, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a vertical slide rail, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A-14D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a handle billet, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 15A-15C show a front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a portion of a post assembly prior to coupling the vertical slide rail and the handle billet to the vertical side post, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 16A-16D show a side, perspective, front, and top view, respectively, of the post assembly in an assembly configuration.

FIGS. 17A-17D show a front, top, perspective, and side view, respectively, of a deck support beam, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18A-18D show a perspective, top, front, and side view, respectively, of a face plate header, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 19A-19D show a back, front, perspective, and side view, respectively, of a back pulley header, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a front and perspective view, respectively, of a pair of deck support beams aligned with the post assemblies prior to attachment to the post assemblies, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a perspective view of a carriage assembly in a disassembled and an assembled configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 22A-22D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a slider block, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 23A-23D are a side, front, first perspective, and second perspective views, respectively, of a carriage side wall, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 24A-24C are a top, perspective, and side view, respectively, of a carriage plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 25A-25E are a various views of a tamper rod, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 26A-26C are perspective views of the carriage assembly with a number of tamper rods in various configurations relative to the carriage assembly.

FIGS. 27A-27C are various views of a deck assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 28A-28C are a top, perspective, and side view of a base deck, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are a top view and an angled view, respectively, of a drawer slider in a closed position and in an open position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29C is a side view of the drawer slider in a closed position.

FIGS. 30A-30C are a front view, top view, and angled view of an adjuster block, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 31A-31C are a top view, a first perspective view, and a second perspective view, respectively, of a threaded bolt prior to insertion into the adjuster block, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 32A-32C are a top view, a first perspective view, and a second perspective view, respectively, of an adjuster assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33A is perspective view of a slider board, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33B is a perspective view of a number of adjuster assemblies prior to being coupled to the slider board, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the number of adjuster assemblies coupled to the slider board.

FIG. 34B is a perspective view of the slider board prior to being coupled to a pair of drawer sliders, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are perspective views of the slider board attached to the pair of drawer sliders in a closed position and an open position, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the pair of drawer sliders and the slider board coupled to the base deck.

FIGS. 37A and 37B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the deck assembly prior to being placed onto the deck support beams.

FIGS. 38A and 38B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the deck assembly after being placed onto the deck support beams, but before being secured to the deck support beams.

FIGS. 39A and 39B are a front view and a perspective view of the deck assembly after having been attached to the deck support beams and moved into the closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the carriage assembly being aligned with the vertical slide rails and prior to being slid onto the support frame assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 41A and 41B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the carriage assembly after having been slid onto the vertical slide rails and vertically translated, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 42A and 42B are perspective views of the pulley assembly coupled to the back pulley header in an uncoupled configuration and a coupled configuration relative to cable clips, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 43A and 43B are illustrations of the cable clip in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively.

FIGS. 44A-44C are a perspective, front, and side view, respectively, of a pulley, respectively.

FIGS. 45A and 45B are a perspective and side view, respectively, of pulleys prior to being coupled to the back pulley header, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are a perspective and a side view, respectively, of the pulleys attached to the back pulley header.

FIG. 47A is a schematic illustration of a counterweight cable, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 47B is a perspective view of a pair of counterweight cables aligned for engagement with a pair of pulleys, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 47C is a perspective view of the pair of counterweight cables after having been inserted through the pulleys.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are a front view and a perspective view of the face plate header and back pulley assembly prior to being attached to the support frame assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 49A and 49B are a front view and a perspective view of the face plate header and the back pulley assembly attached to the support frame assembly.

FIGS. 50A-50C are front views of a portion of the support frame assembly, the carriage assembly, the counterweight cables, and the cable clips in various stages of the process of attaching the counterweight cables to the carriage assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 51A-51C are a front view, a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a multi tamper handle, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 52A-52C are a side view, a perspective view, and a proximal end view of a handle bolt, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 53A and 53B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle prior to being lowered over the support frame assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 54A and 54B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle after having been lowered over the support frame assembly.

FIGS. 55A and 55B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle after having been attached to the support frame assembly via the handle bolts, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 56A and 56B are front views of a portion of the compression assembly before and after, respectively, the counterweight cables are secured to a handle cable hole, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 57A-57C are a side, perspective, and front view, respectively, of a counterweight plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 58A and 58B are a front view and a perspective view of a portion of the compression machine prior to engagement of a pair of the counterweight plates, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a front view of a portion of the compression machine after the pair of the counterweight plates have been engaged, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 60A and 60B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of a multi tamper handle engaged with the pair of counterweight plates, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 61A and 61B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly in an “up” position.

FIGS. 62A and 62B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly prior to insertion of the holder plate assembly onto the slider board, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 63A and 63B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the holder plate assembly placed onto the slider board.

FIGS. 64A and 64B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the holder plate assembly engaged with one or more of the adjuster assemblies, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a bowl containing a filler material, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 66A-66C are a front view, a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a flat scraping tool, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 67 is a front view of the holder plate assembly positioned on the slider board and aligned with the tamper rods for a tamping operation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 68 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly with the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) being poured through the through-holes in the cover plate and into the tubes, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 69A and 69B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the filling of the tubes with the filler material, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 70 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly with the tubes filled with uncompressed filler material and a small amount of filler material on top of the cover plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 71A and 71B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the tubes filled with uncompressed filler material and a small amount of filler material on top of the cover plate, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 72 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly with the flat scraping tool removing the remaining filler material from the top of the cover plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 73A and 73B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the flat scraping tool being used to remove the remaining filler material from the top of the cover plate, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 74A and 74B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the holder plate assembly prepared for the tamping operation, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 75A and 75B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly in the down position with the tamper rods within the interior cavities of the tubes, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 76A and 77B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view, respectively, of the tamper rods fully inserted into each tube, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 77A and 77B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly as the compression assembly begins to be transitioned to the up position via the lifting of the handle grip, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 78A and 78B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly fully in the up position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 79A and 79B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view of the compressed filler material (e.g., compressed smoking herbs) in each tube after the removal of the tamper rods, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 80 is a flow diagram illustrating a cycle of the steps shown and described relative to FIGS. 69A, 73A, 74A, 76A, 77A, and 78A, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 81A and 81B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly with the tubes within the holder plate assembly completely filled with filler material, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view, respectively, of the tubes completely filled with compressed filler material, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 83A-83C are a front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a lifter block.

FIGS. 84A-84C are a close up front view of the holder plate assembly and a pair of lifter blocks in a first, second, and third configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 85A-85B is a front view and a perspective view of the compression assembly and the holder plate assembly, with the holder plate assembly elevated by lifter blocks, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 86A-86D show a close up front view of the tamper rods in a first, second, third, and fourth configuration relative to the elevated holder plate assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 87A and 87B are a perspective view and a front view of the compression assembly with the deck assembly in the closed position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 88A and 88B are a perspective view and a front view of the compression assembly with the deck assembly in the open position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 89A and 89B are a close up front view of the filled tubes after having been ejected from the holder plate assembly with the holder plate assembly in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 90A and 90B are a perspective view and front view, respectively, of the filled tubes resting on the base board of the deck assembly with the deck assembly in an out or extended position, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 91A-91D are a perspective view, a side view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view of a filled tube, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 92A-92C are schematic illustrations of a perspective view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view, respectively, of an empty smoking article cone, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 93A-93C are schematic illustrations of a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a holder plate coupled to a base board, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 94A-94E are schematic illustrations of the stages of a filled smoking article cone removal process, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 95A-95D are a perspective view, a side view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view of a filled cone, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and methods for compressing filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) within an empty smoking article tube or cone are described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a holder plate and a carriage assembly. The holder plate can have a first side and a second side and can define a plurality of through-holes extending from the first side to the second side. Each through-hole is configured to receive a container of a plurality of containers. Each container of the plurality of containers has a first open end, a second end closed by a filter, and an interior cavity between the first open end and the filter. Each through-hole is configured to maintain one the plurality of containers in an upright position relative to a support surface. The carriage assembly can include at least one carriage plate and a plurality of tamper rods, the at least one carriage plate defining a plurality of through-holes. Each of the plurality of tamper rods can be slidably disposed in a respective one of the plurality of through-holes of the at least one carriage plate. Each of the plurality of tamper rods can be independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the plurality of tamper rods and can be independently movable relative to the other of the plurality of tamper rods. The carriage assembly can be configured to be aligned with the holder plate such that the each of the plurality of tamper rods can be slidably disposed within a respective one of the plurality of containers to provide a compressive force to a filler material within the interior cavity of each respective one of the plurality of containers.

In some embodiments, a method includes inserting each of a plurality of containers into a respective one of a plurality of through-holes defined in a holder plate such that the plurality of containers are maintained in an upright position relative to a support surface on which the holder plate is disposed. Then, filler material can be disposed within an interior cavity of each of the plurality of containers. A carriage assembly including a plurality of tamper rods can then be lowered such that each of the plurality of tamper rods is disposed in an interior of a respective one of the containers and applies a compressive force to the filler material within the respective one of the containers. The plurality of tamper rods can be independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the plurality of tamper rods and independently movable relative to the other of the plurality of tamper rods. The frame assembly can then be raised such that the plurality of tamper rods are removed from the interiors of each of the containers. The containers filled with compressed filler material can then be removed from the holder plate.

Some existing herb insertion and rolling machines fail to adequately ensure that a filler material (e.g., smoking herb product) is compact within smoking article containers, such as tubes (e.g., cigarette paper rolls) and/or cones. The failure to achieve consistent compression of the filler material can result in large air spaces between the smoking herbs disposed within the smoking article tubes, resulting in inadequate or inconsistent burning of the, for example, smoking herbs. Additionally, inadequate compression can allow for the smoking herbs to fall out of the tubes or cones. Consequently, less pleasure is derived when the filled tubes or cones are used. Additionally, some existing machines have complex designs that allow for friction to build between the moving parts, leading to machine or product failure. Particularly when the smoking herbs used as filler material are sticky and/or wet (e.g., more sticky or wet than tobacco), some existing machines can get gummed up, resulting in reduced or impaired performance. Some existing machines produce only one tube or cone at a time, causing production of multiple filled tubes and/or cones to be slow and laborious. Some of the existing herb insertion and rolling machines also do not properly roll the tubes or cones (e.g., cigarette paper rolls) to have a finished look.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of a perspective view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view, respectively, of an empty smoking article tube 100 (also referred to as a “cigarette” or a “paper roll”). The tube 100 can be formed as an elongated cylinder having a first, distal end 101 and a second, proximal end 102. While the tube 100 is shown and described as being cylindrically shaped, any suitable container shape can be used, such as, for example, a conical shape as shown in FIGS. 92A-92C. The tube 100 can include an outer casing 103 and a filter 104 (also referred to as a crutch). The outer casing 103 can be, for example, rolled paper such as natural unbleached smoking paper. The filter 104 can have a proximal end 105 and can extend from the distal end 101 of the tube 100 through a portion of an interior of the tube 100. The filter 104 can be, for example, a wound filter. Thus, the distal end 101 of the tube 100 can be obstructed or covered by the filter 104. The proximal end 102 of the tube 100 defines an open end. The inner surface of the outer casing 103 in combination with the proximal end 105 of the filter 103 can define an interior cavity 106. The interior cavity 106 can be filled with filler material (not shown) via the open proximal end 102 of the tube 100. The filler material can be, for example, smoking herbs.

In some embodiments, the diameter A at the distal end 101 of the tube 100 can be, for example, between about 5 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter A can be any suitable diameter, such as, for example, greater than about 12 millimeters. Similarly, in some embodiments, the diameter B at the proximal end 102 of the tube 100 can be, for example, between about 5 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter A can be any suitable diameter, such as, for example, greater than about 12 millimeters. In some embodiments, diameter A and diameter B are equal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length X of the tube 100 can be, for example, between about 50 millimeters to about 70 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length X can be any suitable length, such as greater than about 70 millimeters.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a holder plate 110 coupled to a base board 114, respectively. The holder plate 110 includes a first side 111, a second side 112, and a plurality of through-holes 113 extending from the first side 111 to the second side 112. Each of the through-holes 113 can each be shaped and sized to receive an empty smoking herb container, such as the empty smoking herb tube 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, the through-holes 113 can be cylindrically or conically shaped, and/or may each comprise an internal diameter corresponding to the diameters or diameter ranges described for the tube 100 above. Although only one through-hole 113 is shown in phantom in FIG. 2A, the holder plate 110 can define any suitable number of through-holes 113, such as, for example, four hundred and thirty-five through-holes 113.

The holder plate 110 can be maintained a distance above the base board 114 by a number of legs 115, supports or spacers. For example, the holder plate 110 can include or be coupled to four legs 115 such that one leg 115 supports each of four corners of the holder plate 110. In other embodiments, the plate may be supported by one, two, three, five or more supports. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, the legs 115 can be formed as a unitary structure with the holder plate 110. In some embodiments, the legs 115 can be separately formed and attached to the holder plate 110 via any suitable method. The legs 115 can support the holder plate 110 above the base board 114 such that the distance from the first side 111 to a support surface 116 of the base board 114 is equal to or greater than the length of an empty cigarette filter tube, such as, for example, the length X of the tube 100.

Additionally, the holder plate 110 and the legs 115 can define alignment through-holes 117, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2A. For example, the holder plate 110 and the legs 115 can define a first alignment through-hole 117A, a second alignment through-hole 117B, a third alignment through-hole 117C, and a fourth alignment through-hole 117D, as shown in FIG. 2B. The base board 114 can define corresponding alignment detents 118 extending partially though the base board 114, also shown in phantom in FIG. 2A. The holder plate 110 can be configured to be aligned relative to the base board 114 such that the alignment through-holes 117 of the holder plate 110 align with the alignment detents 118 in the base board 114. Additionally, the alignment through-holes 117 in the holder plate 110 and the alignment detents 118 can have similar diameters such that an alignment peg (such as alignment peg 119 described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C) can be inserted through one of the through-holes 117 and into one of the alignment detents 118. Thus, the holder plate 110 can be aligned and secured relative to the base board 114 via the alignment pegs 119.

FIGS. 3A-3C are a top view, perspective view, and side view of an alignment peg 119. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the alignment peg 119 can be cylindrically shaped, or have another cross-sectional shape (e.g. square, triangle, oval, etc.). The alignment peg 119 can be made of a suitable material, such as metal or plastic. The alignment peg 119 can be sized such that the alignment peg 119 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the alignment through-holes 117 and diameter of the alignment detent 118 such that the alignment peg 119 can be slidably and reversibly inserted into one of the alignment through-holes 117 and into one of the alignment detents 118.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the holder plate 110 and the base board 114 with four alignment pegs 119 (e.g., a first alignment peg 119A, a second alignment peg 119B, a third alignment peg 119C, and a fourth alignment peg 119D) in various stages of insertion in the direction of arrows C into the alignment through-holes 117 (e.g., the first alignment through-hole 117A, the second alignment through-hole 117B, the third alignment through-hole 117C, and the fourth alignment through-hole 117D).

FIGS. 4B and 4C are side views of the holder plate 110 and the base board 114 with alignment pegs 119 (e.g., the second alignment peg 119B and the fourth alignment peg 119D) in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. Specifically, FIG. 4B shows the second alignment peg 119B fully inserted through the second alignment through-hole 117B and into engagement with the alignment detent 118B. FIG. 4B shows the fourth alignment peg 119D disposed above the fourth alignment through-hole 117D prior to insertion of the fourth alignment peg 119D into the fourth alignment through-hole 117D along arrow C.

FIG. 4C shows the second alignment peg 119B and the fourth alignment peg 119D fully inserted through the second alignment through-hole 117B and the fourth alignment through-hole 117D, respectively. As shown, the second alignment peg 119B is engaged with the second alignment detent 118B and the fourth alignment peg 119D is engaged with the fourth alignment detent 118D. Additionally, as shown with respect to the second alignment peg 119B and the fourth alignment peg 119D, when the alignment pegs 119 are inserted through the alignment through-holes 117 and into engagement with the alignment detents 118 such that a distal portion of the alignment pegs 119 are engaged with the alignment detents, a proximal portion of the alignment pegs 119 extends a distance above the first side 111 of the holder plate 110. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4C, the holder plate 110 is secured relative to the base board 114 in the plane of the support surface 116 of the base board 114.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the holder plate 110 and the base board 114 with a number of the empty smoking article tubes 100 in various stages of insertion through the through-holes 113 in the holder plate 110. The empty smoking article tubes 100 can be inserted into the holder plate 110 via any suitable means, such as, for example, manually. As shown, the tubes 100 can be inserted through the through-holes 113 and such that the tubes 100 can sit within the through-holes 113 and rest against the support surface 116 of the base board 114. Each of the tubes 100 can be inserted such that the distal end 101 (identified in FIG. 1A) rests against the support surface and the open proximal end 102 (also identified in FIG. 1A) is disposed within a through-hole 113, with one tube 100 disposed in each through-hole 113. The open proximal end 102 of each tube 100 can be disposed at a height equal to or less than the height of the first side 111 of the holder plate 110.

FIGS. 5C and 5D are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of the holder plate 110 and the base board 114 where each through-hole 113 has received an empty cigarette filter tube 100. As shown, the proximal ends (e.g., proximal end 102) sit below the first side 111 of the holder plate 110.

FIGS. 6A-6C are a top view, perspective view, and side view of a cover plate 120. As shown in FIG. 6A, the cover plate 120 can define a number of through-holes 121 and a number of alignment holes 122. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the cover plate 120 can define four alignment holes 122 (e.g., a first alignment hole 122A, a second alignment hole 122B, a third alignment hole 122C, and a fourth alignment hole 122D). The diameter of the alignment holes 122 can be the same or similar to the diameter of the alignment holes 117 in the holder plate 110 (shown in FIG. 2A) and slightly larger than the diameter of the alignment pegs 119 (shown in FIG. 3B) such that the cover plate 120 can be aligned with the holder plate 110 via the alignment holes 122. Said another way, the alignment pegs 119 can act as a guide for the cover plate 120 via the alignment holes 122 in the cover plate 120.

For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the cover plate 120 positioned above the holder plate 110 before being engaged with the holder plate 110. FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the cover plate 120 after having been lowered over the alignment pegs 119 and into engagement with the holder plate 110. The number of through-holes 121 in the cover plate 120 can be the same as the number of through-holes 113 in the holder plate 110. When the cover plate 120 is engaged with the holder plate 110 and the alignment pegs 119 are inserted through the alignment holes 122, each of the through-holes 121 can be axially aligned with a through-hole 113 in the holder plate 110.

The diameter of each of the through-holes 121 can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the through-holes in the holder plate 110. Thus, when the cover plate 120 and the holder plate 110 are arranged as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cover plate 120 can cover the outer casing 103 (identified in FIG. 1A) of each tube 100. Said another way, the cover plate 120 can extend over a portion of each through-hole 113 in the holder plate 110 such that any gap between an inner wall of each through-hole 113 and an outer surface of each tube 100 is covered by the cover plate 120. Additionally, the cover plate 120 can extend sufficiently far over each through-hole 113 such that the outer casing 103 defining the fillable inner cavity 106 of each tube is also covered by the cover plate 120. As a result, a filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) can be distributed over the surface of the cover plate 120 such that the filler material can fall into the fillable inner cavity 106 of each tube 100 without the filler material spilling between the tube 100 and the inner surface of the through-hole 113. Thus, the outer diameter of each tube 100 does not need to be the same as the inner diameter of a corresponding through-hole 113 and each tube 100 can be loosely inserted and maintained in the loading configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

When the cover plate 120, holder plate 110, and base board 114 are assembled as shown in FIG. 8B and secured via the alignment pegs 119, the cover plate 120, holder plate 110, base board 114, and alignment pegs 119 form a holder plate assembly 125.

FIGS. 9A-10B depict the holder plate assembly 125 relative to a compression assembly 181 in a disengaged configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9A and 9B) and an engaged configuration (e.g., FIGS. 10A-10B). The compression assembly 181 can be operated to compress filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) within the tubes 100 when the tubes 100 are loaded in the holder plate assembly 125. The compression assembly 181 can include a support frame assembly 166, a carriage assembly 149, a pulley assembly 170, and a counterweight assembly 129. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 before engagement with the holder plate assembly 125. FIGS. 10A and 10B show a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the holder plate assembly 125 engaged with the compression assembly 181.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and perspective views of a portion of the support frame assembly 166 of the compression assembly 181 in a partially assembled configuration. The support frame assembly 166 can include a pair of post assemblies 124 and a deck assembly 165 (shown in FIGS. 27A-27B). Each post assembly 124 can include a vertical side post 131 (shown in FIGS. 12A-12D), a vertical slide rail 136 (shown in FIGS. 13A-13D), and a handle billet 186 (shown in FIGS. 14A-14D).

FIGS. 12A-12D are a side, perspective, front, and top view, respectively, of one of the vertical side post 131. As shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, the vertical side post 131 can include a horizontally-extending base portion and a vertically-extending upright portion. The vertical side post 131 can define a number of vertical slider bolt holes 132. Although referred to as a bolt hole, the hole may be used with or configured for use with other fasteners or fastening mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the vertical side post 131 can define four vertical slider bolt holes 132. Additionally, the vertical side post 131 can define a header bolt hole 133 and a deck support bolt hole 134. The horizontally extending base portion can include one or more leveler feet 135 such that the vertical side post 131 can be adjusted such that the support frame assembly 166 can be evenly oriented (i.e., leveled) on an uneven surface. As described above, the compression assembly 181 can include two vertical side posts 131.

FIGS. 13A-13D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a vertical slide rail 136. The vertical slide rail 136 includes a rail 137. The vertical slide rail 136 can define a number (e.g., four) slide rail boat holes 138. As described above, the compression assembly 181 can include two vertical slide rails 136.

FIGS. 14A-14D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a handle billet 186. The handle billet 186 can define a number of (e.g., two) handle billet attachment holes 187 and a fulcrum bolt hole 188. As described above, the compression assembly 181 can include two handle billets 186.

FIGS. 15A-15C show a front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a portion of the post assembly 124 prior to coupling the vertical slide rail 136 and the handle billet 186 to the vertical side post 131. As shown, any suitable nuts and bolts, or other fasteners or fastening systems, can be used to attach the handle billet 186 and the vertical slide rail 136 to the vertical side post 131. For example, each of the bolts can be slid through the holes 138, 132, and 140 and attached to a nut on the opposite side. For example, FIGS. 16A-16D show a side, perspective, front, and top view, respectively, of a post assembly 189, which includes the handle billet 186 and the vertical slide rail 136 secured to the vertical side post 131 via, for example, nuts and bolts or other fasteners.

The two post assemblies 124 of the support frame assembly 166 can be coupled together via a pair of deck support beams 190 (shown in FIGS. 17A-17D), a face plate header 192 (shown in FIGS. 18A-18D), and a back pulley header 194 (shown in FIGS. 19A-19D). The assembly of the two post assemblies 124 with the deck support beams 190, the face plate header 192, and the back pulley header 194 will be described below.

FIGS. 17A-17D show a front, top, perspective, and side view, respectively, of one of the deck support beams 190. The deck support beam 190 may further comprise one more deck support bolt holes 191. Although only one deck support beam 190 is shown in FIGS. 17A-17D, the two deck support beams 190 can be the same in size and structure and can be used to support the deck assembly 165, as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

FIGS. 18A-18D show a perspective, top, front, and side view, respectively, of the face plate header 192. The face plate header 192 defines header bolt holes 193.

FIGS. 19A-19D show a back, front, perspective, and side view, respectively, of the back pulley header 194. The back pulley header 194 can define back header bolt holes 195 and pulley bolt holes 196.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a front and perspective view, respectively, of the deck support beams 190 aligned with the post assemblies 124 prior to attachment to the post assemblies 124. As shown, the deck support beams 190 can be aligned with the post assemblies 124 such that each of the deck support bolt holes 191 of each of the deck support beams align with a deck support bolt hole 134 in each of the post assemblies 124. Any suitable bolt or screw can then be used to attach and secure the deck support beams 190 to the post assemblies 124 such that the post assemblies 124 in combination with the deck support beams 190 can stand in the upright configuration shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B described above.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a perspective view of a carriage assembly 149 in a disassembled and an assembled configuration, respectively. The carriage assembly 149 includes two slider blocks 139 (described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 22A-22D), two carriage side walls 142 (described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 23A-23D), and two carriage plates 145 (described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 24A-24D).

FIGS. 22A-22D are a side, front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of the slider block 139. The slider block 139 includes a number of slider wheels 140. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22D, the slider block 139 can include three slider wheels 140. The slider wheels 140 can be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, a hard plastic. The slider block 139 can define a number of (e.g., four) slider block holes 141.

FIGS. 23A-23D are a side, front, first perspective, and second perspective views, respectively, of the carriage side wall 142. The carriage side wall 142 can define carriage wall bolt holes 143 and carriage wall top holes 144.

FIGS. 24A-24C are a top, perspective, and side view, respectively, of one of the carriage plates 145. The carriage plate 145 defines a number of carriage rod holes 146. The carriage plate 145 can define the same number of carriage rod holes 146 as the number of through-holes 121 defined in the cover plate 120 and the number of through-holes 113 defined in the holder plate 110. Additionally, the carriage rod holes 146 can be arranged similarly to the through-holes 121 defined in the cover plate 120 and the through-holes 113 defined in the holder plate 110 such that a central axes of each of the carriage rod holes 146 can align with a central axes of the through-holes 121 defined in the cover plate 120 and/or a central axes of the through-holes 113 defined in the holder plate 110. The carriage plate 145 also defines carriage plate attachment holes 147 and carriage support bolt holes 148.

The slider blocks 139, the carriage side walls 142, and the carriage plates 145 can be assembled and secured as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B using any suitable method. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the slider blocks 139, the carriage side walls 142, and the carriage plates 145 can be coupled via screws, nuts, and/or bolts. Specifically, the carriage plates 145 can be attached to the carriage side walls 142 via insertion of screws through the carriage plate attachment holes 147 into the carriage wall top holes 144. Similarly, the slider block 139 can be attached to the carriage side walls 142 via insertion of bolts through the carriage wall bolt holes 143 into slider block bolt holes 141. In other embodiments, the slider blocks 139, the carriage side walls 142, and the carriage plates 145 can be coupled via another suitable method such as, for example, welding. Additionally, two eye bolts 127 can be coupled to the carriage assembly 149 such that the carriage assembly 149 can be translated vertically via, for example, cables and pulleys attached to the eye bolts 127. Specifically, the eye bolts 127 can be coupled to the carriage side walls 142 via insertion into the carriage support bolt holes 148.

FIGS. 25A-25E are a various views of a tamper rod 150. Specifically, FIGS. 25A-25C are various side views of a tamper rod 150. FIG. 25D is a distal facing cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 25C. FIG. 25E is a proximal end view of the tamper rod 150 in FIG. 25C. The tamper rod 150 is an elongated cylindrical rod having a distal end 151 and a proximal end 152. The tamper rod 150 can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel. The tamper rod 150 can be solid. In other examples, the tamper rod may comprise pores or channels to facilitate air to escape as the filler material is compressed. The distal end 151 of the tamper rod can be flat such that the distal end 151 can be used to compress filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) inside one of the tubes 100. Thus, in some embodiments, only the flat distal end 151 contacts the smoking herbs, preventing the remainder of the tamper rod 150 and other components of the compression assembly 181 from becoming dirty or sticky. Although shown and described as being flat, the distal end 151 can be any suitable shape for compressing herbs inside a tube 100, such as curved. The tamper rod 150 can include a stop pin 153 near the proximal end 152 of the tamper rod 150. The tamper rod 150 can also include a rubber bumper 154 proximate the stop pin 153 on the distal side of the stop pin 153. The rubber bumper 154 and/or the stop pin 153 can have an outer diameter or length, respectively, larger than the diameter of the carriage rod holes 146 in the carriage plate 145. When the tamper rod 150 is disposed within a carriage rod hole 146 of the carriage assembly 149, the stop pin 153 and/or the rubber bumper 154 can be used to stop the distal translation of the tamper rod 150 through a carriage rod hole 146 in the carriage assembly 149. Thus, the rubber bumper 154 and/or the stop pin 153 can prevent the tamper rod 150 from passing fully through a carriage rod hole 146 in the carriage plate 145 and out of the carriage assembly 149. In use, the rubber bumper 154 can dampen the impact force and sound that may result from the stop pin 153 striking the carriage plate 145. The length Y of the tamper rod 150 can be any suitable length. In some embodiments, the length Y of the tamper rod 150 can be between about 50 millimeters and about 400 millimeters.

As described above, the tamper rod 150 can be used to compress filler material, such as smoking herbs, inside the tubes 100. Specifically, the tamper rod 150 can have an outer diameter sized to be able to slidably translate through a through-hole 121 defined in the cover plate 120, a through-hole 113 defined in the holder plate 110, and into the interior cavity 106 of a tube 100. For example, the tamper rod 150 can be small enough in diameter to only minimally or to not contact the cover plate 120 and/or the holder plate 110 during translation through a respective through-hole 121 and through-hole 113. Thus, the friction between moving parts of the compression assembly 181 can be reduced and wear and tear on the compression assembly 181 can be prevented. Similarly, the tamper rod 150 can be shaped and sized to be slidably movable within the carriage assembly 149. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 26A-26C, which are perspective views of the carriage assembly 149 with a number of tamper rods 150 in various configurations relative to the carriage assembly 149, a tamper rod 150 can be inserted into a carriage hole 146 in the top carriage plate 145 and a corresponding carriage hole 146 in the bottom carriage plate 145. In some examples, the outer diameter of the tamper rod may be about 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm smaller than the diameter or diameters specified for tube 100 above. As shown in FIG. 26A, a tamper rod 150 can be inserted distal end 151 first through carriage rod holes 146 in the top carriage plate 145 and the bottom carriage plate 145 until rubber bumper 153 and stop pin 153 engage the top carriage plate 145. Thus, the rubber bumper 153 and/or the stop pin 153 can be used to stop the tamper rod 150 from sliding through the carriage rod holes 146 in the top carriage plate 145 and the bottom carriage plate 145 and out of the carriage assembly 149.

FIG. 26B shows the insertion of many tamper rods 150 being inserted distal end 151 first through the carriage rod holes 146 until the rubber bumper 154 and/or stop pin 153 of each tamper rod 150 stops each tamper rod 150 from sliding all the way through the carriage rod holes 146 in carriage assembly 149. This process can be repeated until every carriage plate rod hole 146 is filled with a tamper rod 150.

For example, FIG. 26C shows a carriage assembly 149 with a tamper rod 150 in each carriage plate rod hole 146. In such an assembled configuration, each tamper rod 150 can be used to compress filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) inside of a tube 100. Each tamper rod 150 can slide up and down within the carriage rod holes 146 independently while tamping. Therefore, each tamper rod 150 can independently tamp the filler material inside each tube 100 using the weight of each tamper rod 150. For example, if one tamper rod 150 encounters an upward force as a result of contacting filler material within a tube 100, that particular tamper rod 150 may move upward relative to the carriage assembly 149 and some or all of the other tamper rods 150. Said another way, the carriage assembly 149 can continue to move down relative to the tubes 100, as will be described below, and the tamper rods 150 may be stopped from further downward movement as a result of interaction with the filler material in individual tubes 100. The individual tamper rods 150, however, may be able to reach different depths within the individual tubes 100 depending on, for example, the amount of filler material within each tube 100. Said another way, the movement of each individual tamper rod 150 will not be affected by the movement of any of the other individual tamper rods 150.

Each tamper rod 150 can have any suitable weight. For example, in some embodiments, each tamper rod 150 can have a mass of about 80 grams. In some embodiments, each tamper rod 150 can have a mass ranging from about 15 grams to about 150 grams, or about 30 grams to about 120 grams, or about 50 grams to about 100 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of all tamper rods 150 in a carriage assembly 149 will be about equal. In some embodiments, the amount of compression caused by the tamper rods 150 can be increased by dropping the tamper rods 150 more quickly (e.g., a similar movement to hitting the filler material of each tube 100 with a hammer) such that the impact pressure is increased.

Each tamper rod 150 can extend beyond the bottom carriage plate 145 any suitable distance such that each of the tamper rods 150 can reach and compress filler material within an interior cavity 106 of a tube 100 (e.g., in combination with compression assembly 181). For example, each tamper rod 150, when in the position shown in FIG. 26C, can extend beyond the bottom carriage plate 145 by about 75 mm to about 200 mm.

FIGS. 27A-27C are various views of a deck assembly 165. Specifically, FIGS. 27A and 27B show a perspective and a side view of the deck assembly 165 in a closed position. FIG. 27C shows a perspective view of the deck assembly 165 in an open position. The deck assembly 165 includes a slider board 164, a base deck 155, a number of adjuster assemblies 163 (e.g., three adjuster assemblies), and a pair of drawer sliders 157.

FIGS. 28A-28C are a top, perspective, and side view of the base deck 155. The base deck 155 defines base deck holes 156.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are a top view and an angled view, respectively, of one of the pair of drawer sliders 157 in a closed position and in an open position. FIG. 29C is a side view of the drawer slider 157 in a closed position. Each of the pair of drawer sliders 157 defines slider deck screw holes 158 and slider board screw holes 159.

FIGS. 30A-30C are a front view, top view, and angled view of an adjuster block 160. The adjuster block 160 may comprise an adjuster block bolt hole 161 and adjuster screw holes 162.

FIGS. 31A-31C are a top view, a first perspective view, and a second perspective view, respectively, of a threaded bolt 126 prior to insertion into the adjuster block bolt hole 161 of the adjuster block 160.

FIGS. 32A-32C are a top view, a first perspective view, and a second perspective view, respectively, of the threaded bolt 126 disposed in a threaded position within the adjuster block bolt hole 161 of the adjuster block 160. As shown in FIGS. 32A-32C, the combination of the threaded bolt 126 with the adjuster block 160 can be referred to as an adjuster assembly 163.

FIG. 33A is perspective view of a slider board 164

FIG. 33B is a perspective view of a number of adjuster assemblies 163 (e.g., three adjuster assemblies 163) prior to being coupled to the slider board 164 in FIG. 33A. The adjuster assemblies 163 can be coupled to the slider board 164 via screws or any other suitable coupling mechanism. For example, screws or other fasteners can be inserted through the adjuster block screw holes 162 in each adjuster block 160 and into the slider board 164.

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the adjuster assemblies 163 coupled to the slider board 164 via screws or other fasteners

FIG. 34B is a perspective view of the slider board 164 prior to being coupled to the pair of drawer sliders 157. The slider board 164 can be coupled to the pair of drawer sliders 157 via any suitable coupling mechanism, such as via insertion of screws through the slider deck screw holes 158 into the slider board 164.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are perspective views of the slider board 164 attached to the pair of drawer sliders 157 in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the pair of drawer sliders 157 (and thus, the slider board 164) coupled to the base deck 155. The pair of drawer sliders 157 can be coupled to the base deck 155 via any suitable attachment mechanism, such as, for example, via driving screws through the slider deck screw holes 158 and into the base deck 155.

FIGS. 37A and 37B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the deck assembly 165 prior to being placed onto the deck support beams 190 attached to the post assemblies 124.

FIGS. 38A and 38B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the deck assembly 165 after being placed onto the deck support beams 190, but before being secured to the deck support beams 132. The deck assembly 165 can be secured to the deck support beams 190 via any suitable attachment mechanism, such as, for example, via screws or bolts inserted through the base deck holes 156 and deck support bolt holes 191.

FIGS. 39A and 39B are a front view and a perspective view of the deck assembly 165 after having been attached to the deck support beams 190 and moved into the closed position. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the combination of the deck assembly 165 with the post assembly 124 via the deck support beams 190 can be referred to as the multi tamper frame 166 (also referred to herein as the support frame assembly 166).

FIGS. 40A and 40B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the carriage assembly 149 being aligned with the vertical slide rails 136 and prior to being slid onto the support frame assembly 166.

FIGS. 41A and 41B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the carriage assembly 149 after having been slid onto the vertical slide rails 136 and vertically translated (i.e., lowered) until resting on the slider board 164.

FIGS. 42A and 42B are perspective views of the pulley assembly 170 coupled to the back pulley header 194 in an uncoupled configuration and a coupled configuration relative to cable clips 172, respectively. The pulley assembly 170 can include a pair of pulleys 167. A counterweight cable 171 having two looped ends can be coupled to each pulley 167. A cable clip 172 can be coupled to (i.e., hung from) each looped end of each counterweight cable 171, as shown in FIG. 42B.

FIGS. 43A and 43B are illustrations of the cable clip 172 in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively.

FIGS. 44A-44C are a perspective, front, and side view, respectively, of the pulley 167. The pulley 167 can include a pulley wheel 168 and a pulley eye hole 169.

FIGS. 45A and 45B are a perspective and side view, respectively, of the pulleys 167 prior to being coupled to the back pulley header 194. As shown, each of the pulleys 167 can be coupled to the back pulley header 194 via a bolt or screw. Specifically, a bolt or screw can be inserted through the eye hole 169 of one of the pulleys 167 into the back header bolt hole 195.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are a perspective and side view, respectively, of the pulleys 167 attached to the back pulley header 194. As shown, the bolt or screw inserted through the eye hole 169 and into the back header bolt hole 195 can extend from the back pulley header 194 in an assembled configuration such that the pulley can hang from the bolt or screw. In the assembled configuration shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, the pulleys 167 in combination with the back pulley header 194 can be referred to as the back pulley assembly 170 (also referred to herein as the pulley assembly 170).

FIG. 47A is a schematic illustration of the counterweight cable 171 having two looped ends.

FIG. 47B is a perspective view of a pair of the counterweight cables 171 aligned for engagement with a pair of the pulleys 167.

FIG. 47C is a perspective view of the pair of counterweight cables 171 after having been inserted through the pulleys 167 such that the center of each of the counterweight cables 171 rests on a pulley wheel 168 of each pulley 167.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are a front view and a perspective view of the face plate header 192 and back pulley assembly 170 prior to being attached to the support frame assembly 166 via header bolt holes 133, header bolt holes 193, and back header bolt holes 195. FIGS. 49A and 49B are a front view and a perspective view of the face plate header 192 and the back pulley assembly 170 attached to the support frame assembly 166.

FIGS. 50A-50C are front views of a portion of the support frame assembly 166, the carriage assembly 149, the counterweight cables 171, and the cable clips 172 in various stages of the process of attaching the counterweight cables 171 to the carriage assembly 149 via the cable clips 172. As shown in FIG. 50A, when in the open position, one of the cable clips 172 can be hooked through one of the looped ends of the one of the counterweight cables 171. As shown in FIG. 50B, the cable clip 172 can then be looped through one of the eye bolts 127 of the carriage assembly 149. As shown in FIG. 50C, the cable clip 172 can then be closed such that the counterweight cable 171 can be securely coupled to the carriage assembly 149 via the cable clip 172.

FIGS. 51A-51C are a front view, a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a multi tamper handle 173. The multi tamper handle 173 can include a handle grip 174, a handle weight bar 175, and a handle fulcrum 177 on each side of the multi tamper handle 173. The multi tamper handle 173 can also define a handle cable hole 176.

FIGS. 52A-52C are a side view, a perspective view, and a proximal end view of a handle bolt 178.

FIGS. 53A and 53B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle 173 aligned with the support frame assembly 166 prior to being lowered over the support frame assembly 166.

FIGS. 54A and 54B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle 173 after having been lowered over the support frame assembly 166 such that the handle fulcrum 177 on each side of the multi tamper handle 173 is aligned with the fulcrum bolt holes 188 on each side of the support frame assembly 166. As shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B, the handle bolt 178 can be axially aligned with the fulcrum bolt hole 188 and the handle fulcrum 177 prior to insertion through the handle fulcrum 177 and the fulcrum bolt hole 188.

FIGS. 55A and 55B are a front view and a perspective view of the multi tamper handle 173 after having been attached to the support frame assembly 166 via the handle bolts 178.

FIGS. 56A and 56B are front views of a portion of the compression assembly 181 before and after, respectively, the counterweight cables 171 are secured to the handle cable hole 176. As shown, a pair of cable clips 172 in an open configuration can be attached to the opposite looped ends of the counterweight cables 171 from the looped ends coupled to the carriage assembly 149. The pair of cable clips 172 can each then be looped through the handle cable hole 176, as shown in FIG. 56B, and secured in the closed configuration.

FIGS. 57A-57C are a side, perspective, and front view, respectively, of a counterweight plate 179. The counterweight plate 179 can define a counterweight hole 180. The counterweight hole 180 can have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the handle weight bar 175 of the multi tamper handle 173.

FIGS. 58A and 58B are a front view and a perspective view of a portion of the compression machine 181 prior to engagement of a pair of the counterweight plates 179 with the handle weight bar 175.

FIG. 59 is a front view of a portion of the compression machine 181 after the pair of the counterweight plates 179 have been engaged with the handle weight bar 175. The counterweight hole 180 can be axially aligned with the handle weight bar 175 and the counterweight plates 179 can be slid over the handle weight bar 175 such that the handle weight bar 175 extends through the counterweight hole 180. As shown, security bolts 123 can be attached to the handle weight bar 175 to prevent unwanted movement of the counterweight plate 179.

FIGS. 60A and 60B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of multi tamper handle 173 engaged with the pair of counterweight plates 179, the pair of counterweight plates 179 secured to the multi tamper handle 173 via the security bolts 123. The assembly as shown in FIGS. 60A and 60B can be referred to as the multi tamper assembly 181 (also referred to herein as the compression assembly 181). As shown in FIGS. 60A and 60B, the compression assembly 181 is in a “down” position.

FIGS. 61A and 61B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 in an “up” position. As shown, the counterweight plates 179 pull down on the handle weight bar 175 and the handle cable hole 176, thus pulling on the counterweight cable 171. In some embodiments, the pulling of the counterweight cable 171 through the pulley wheel 168 with the counterweight plates 179 can act as an equal counterweight to the connected carriage assembly 149 filled with tamper rods 150. In some embodiments, this causes the carriage assembly 149 to remain at whatever height the user sets the carriage assembly 149 via the handle weight bar 175. Therefore, when moving the compression assembly 181 from the down position to the up position, a user can lift the handle grip 174 (and thus the carriage assembly 149 including the tamper rods 150) with ease. In some embodiments, the counterweight plates 179 are sufficiently heavy such that, when the user is not applying any force to the handle weight bar 175, the compression assembly 181 automatically transitions to the up position.

FIGS. 62A and 62B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 prior to insertion of the holder plate assembly 125 onto the slider board 164.

FIGS. 63A and 63B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the holder plate assembly 125 placed onto the slider board 164 and resting adjacent to the adjuster assembly 163.

FIGS. 64A and 64B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the holder plate assembly 125 engaged with one or more of the adjuster assemblies 165. The adjuster assembly 165 can be used to move the holder plate assembly 125 into the proper positioning on the slider board 164 such that the distal ends 151 of each of the tamper rods 150 are axially aligned with the through-holes 121 in the cover plate 120. Specifically, the threaded bolt in adjuster block bolt holes 161 can be turned until the desired position of the holder plate assembly 125 is achieved. When the holder plate assembly 125 is properly aligned on the slider board 164 with the carriage assembly 149, the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) can be introduced to the interior cavities 106 of the tubes 100 that have been pre-loaded into the holder plate assembly 125.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a bowl 183 containing a filler material 182. The bowl 183 can be used to pour the filler material 182 onto the cover plate 120 of the holder plate assembly 125. The filler material 182 can include, for example, smoking herbs such as cannabis, or combinations of different smoking herbs. In some embodiments, the filler material 182 may or may not include tobacco. In some embodiments, the effective particle size of the filler material 182 can range from about 0.25 mm to about 6 mm at the widest point of each particle. In some embodiments, the relative humidity of the filler material is about 58%. In some embodiments, the relative humidity can range between about 45% and about 80%.

FIGS. 66A-66C are a front view, a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a flat scraping tool 184. The flat scraping tool 184 can be used to move (e.g., push, pull, and/or scrape) the filler material 182 relative to the through-holes 121 in the cover plate 120.

FIGS. 67-90B illustrate the use of the compression assembly 181 to compress the filler material 182 within the tubes 100 of the holder plate assembly 125.

FIG. 67 is a front view of the holder plate assembly 125 positioned on the slider board 164 and aligned with the tamper rods 150 for a tamping operation. In such a position, the holder plate assembly 125 can be ready to receive the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) 182 from the bowl 183.

FIG. 68 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly 181 with the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) 182 being poured through the through-holes 121 in the cover plate 120 and into tubes 100. Specifically, the filler material 182 is poured through the open proximal end 102 of each tube 100 and into the interior cavity 106 of each tube 100. Said another way, the filler material 182 can fill the portion of each tube 100 extending proximal of the filter 103. In some embodiments, each of the tubes 100 can be filled up to the level of the cover plate 120.

FIGS. 69A and 69B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the filling of the tubes 100 with the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs) 182 by pouring the filler material 182 onto the cover plate 120 such that the filler material 182 falls through the through-holes 121 into the tubes 100.

FIG. 70 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly 181 with the tubes 100 filled with uncompressed filler material 182 and a small amount of filler material on top of the cover plate 120.

FIGS. 71A and 71B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the tubes 100 filled with uncompressed filler material 182 and a small amount of filler material on top of the cover plate 120.

FIG. 72 is a front view of a portion of the compression assembly 181 with the flat scraping tool 184 removing the remaining filler material 182 from the top of the cover plate 120. As shown, the flat scraping tool 184 can be used to scrape the remaining filler material 182 into the tubes 100 of off the cover plate 120 until the cover plate 120 is clean of the remaining filler material 182.

FIGS. 73A and 73B are a close up front and perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the flat scraping tool 184 used to remove the remaining filler material 182 from the top of the cover plate 120.

FIGS. 74A and 74B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the holder plate assembly 125 prepared for the tamping operation. Specifically, the tubes 100 of the holder plate assembly 125 are filled with uncompressed filler material 182 (e.g., smoking herbs) and any remaining filler material 182 has been removed from the top of the cover plate 120. Thus, a user can pull down on the handle grip 174 to lower the tamper rods 150 into the through-holes 121 in the carriage plate 120 and into the interior cavities 106 of the tubes 100. The user can control how much force is applied by the tamper rods 150 on the filler material 182 via, for example, pulling or dropping the handle grip 174 down with more force. Thus, the user can achieve a tighter compression of the filler material 182.

FIGS. 75A and 75B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 in the down position with the tamper rods 150 within the interior cavities 106 of the tubes 100. Thus, the tamper rods 150 have compressed the filler material 182 contained within each tube 100 under the weight of each independent sliding tamper rod 150.

For example, FIGS. 76A and 77B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view, respectively, of the tamper rods 150 fully inserted into each tube 100 as a result of the multi tamper handle 173 being moved by the user into the down position. As shown, the filler material 182 has been compressed under the weight of each independent sliding tamper rod 150.

FIGS. 77A and 77B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 as the compression assembly 181 begins to be transitioned to the up position via the lifting of the handle grip 174 by, for example, the user. As the compression assembly 181 begins to transition to the up position, the tamper rods 150 can be lifted out of the interior cavities 106 of each tube 100, subsequently leaving behind a layer of compressed filler material 182 (e.g., compressed smoking herbs).

FIGS. 78A and 78B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 fully in the up position. In such a position, a layer of compressed filler material 182 is disposed in the bottom of each interior cavity 106 of each tube 100.

FIGS. 79A and 79B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view of the compressed filler material 182 (e.g., compressed smoking herbs) in each tube after the removal of the tamper rods 150 as a result of the transition of the compression assembly 181 to the up position.

FIG. 80 is a flow chart illustrating a cycle of the steps shown and described relative to FIGS. 69A, 73A, 74A, 76A, 77A, and 78A. As shown, the steps of filling, scraping, and compressing can be repeated until the interior cavities 106 of each tube 100 is filled of compressed filler material 182. If some of the tubes 100 have been fully filled with compressed filler material 182 and other tubes 100 have additional room within the interior cavities of those other tubes 100, additional filler material 182 can be poured onto the surface of the cover plate 120 and spread among the tubes 100 with remaining space. Due to the tamper rods 150 being independently movable, during operation of the compression assembly 181, the tamper rods 150 can tamp the uncompressed filler material 182 in the tubes 100 having uncompressed filler material 182 without significantly further compressing the previously compressed filler material 182 in the tubes 100 that were already filled with compressed filler material 182.

In some embodiments, the user can achieve a tighter compression of the filler material 182 by adding less filler material 182 during each compression cycle and performing more compression cycles to fill the tubes 100. Due to the manual nature of the operation of the compression assembly 181, the user can easily adjust for changes in humidity, the granular size of the filler material (e.g., smoking herbs), and other changes via performing additional compression cycles with less filler material 182 per cycle, via changing the amount of force applied to the uncompressed filler material 182 per transition from the up position to the down position, or making any other suitable changes.

FIGS. 81A and 81B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the compression assembly 181 with the tubes 100 within the holder plate assembly 125 completely filled with filler material 182.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a close up front view and a close up perspective view, respectively, of the tubes 100 completely filled with compressed filler material 182 (e.g., compressed smoking herbs) inside the holder plate assembly 125.

FIGS. 83A-83C are a front, perspective, and top view, respectively, of a lifter block 185.

FIGS. 84A-84C are a close up front view of the holder plate assembly 125 and a pair of lifter blocks 185 in a first, second, and third configuration, respectively. As shown in FIG. 84A, a left side of the holder plate assembly 125 can be lifted and a first lifter block 185 can be slid under the left side of the holder plate assembly 125. As shown in FIG. 84B, a right side of the holder plate assembly 125 can be lifted and a second lifter block 185 can be slid under the right side of the holder plate assembly 125. Thus, in the configuration of FIG. 84C, the distance from the second side 112 of the holder plate 110 of the holder plate assembly 125 to the support surface 116 of the base board 114 can be increased. For example, the distance from the second side 112 of the holder plate 110 of the holder plate assembly 125 to the support surface 116 can be equal to or greater than the length X of a tube 100.

FIGS. 85A-85B is a front view and a perspective view of the compression assembly 181 and the holder plate assembly 125, with the holder plate assembly 125 elevated by lifter blocks 185 and containing tubes 100 fully filled with compressed filler material 182. In such a configuration, a user can pull down on the handle grip 174 to draw down the carriage assembly 149, including tamper rods 150.

FIGS. 86A-86D show a close up front view of the tamper rods 150 in a first, second, third, and fourth configuration relative to the elevated holder plate assembly 125. As shown in FIG. 86A, the tubes 100 can continue to be aligned with the tamper rods 150 when the holder plate assembly 125 is in the elevated configuration. As shown in FIG. 86B, the tamper rods 150 can be lowered through the holes (i.e., the through-holes 121 and the through-holes 113) in the holder plate assembly 125 and can press the filled tubes 100 downward and out of the holder plate assembly 125 and onto the base board 114. As shown in FIG. 86C, the tamper rods 150 can begin to be lifted from engagement with the proximal ends 105 of the filled tubes 100. As shown in FIG. 86D, the tamper rods 150 can be completely removed from the holes (i.e., the through-holes 121 and the through-holes 113) in the holder plate assembly 125 and the compression assembly 181 can be returned to the up position. The filled tubes 100 can be left resting on the base board 114.

FIGS. 87A and 87B are a perspective view and a front view of the compression assembly 181 with the deck assembly 165 prior to moving from the closed position to the open position (shown in FIGS. 88A and 88B). Specifically, the slider board 164 can be pulled to the open position such that the holder plate assembly 125 and the filled tubes 100 are also pulled into the open position.

FIGS. 88A and 88B are a perspective view and a front view of the compression assembly 181 with the deck assembly 165 in the open position. As shown, the filled tubes 100 are easier to access and collect in the open position shown in FIGS. 88A and 88B.

For example, FIGS. 89A and 89B are a close up front view of the filled tubes 100 after having been ejected from the holder plate assembly 125 with the holder plate assembly 125 in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. As shown in FIG. 89A, the holder plate 110, the cover plate 120, and the alignment pegs 119 can be lifted from the lifter blocks 185 and the holder plate assembly 125 and the lifter blocks 185 can be removed from the base board 114 (as shown in FIG. 89B). Thus, the filled tubes 100 are accessible and removable from the base board 114.

FIGS. 90A and 90B are a perspective view and front view, respectively, of the filled tubes 100 resting on the base board 114 of the deck assembly 165 with the deck assembly 165 in the out or extended position.

FIGS. 91A-91D are a perspective view, a side view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view of a filled tube 100. As shown, the interior cavity 106 of the tube 100 is filled with compressed or compacted filler material 182 (e.g., compressed smoking herbs 182).

Although the compression assembly 181 has been shown and described with respect to filling a cylindrical empty tube 100, the compression assembly 181 can be used similarly to fill an empty smoking cone. For example, FIGS. 92A-92C are schematic illustrations of a perspective view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view, respectively, of an empty smoking article cone 200 (also referred to as a “cone shaped cigarette paper roll” or “smoke cone”). The cone 200 can be formed as an elongated cone having a first, distal end 201 and a second, proximal end 202. The cone 200 can include an outer casing 203 and a filter 204 (also referred to as a crutch). The outer casing 203 can be, for example, rolled paper such as natural unbleached smoking paper. The filter 204 can have a proximal end 205 and can extend from the distal end 201 of the cone 200 through a portion of an interior of the cone 200. The filter 204 can be, for example, a wound filter. Thus, the distal end 201 can be obstructed by the filter 204. The proximal end 202 of the tube 200 defines an open end. The inner surface of the outer casing 203 in combination with the proximal end 205 of the filter 203 can define an interior cavity 206. The interior cavity 206 can be filled with filler material (not shown) via the open proximal end 202 of the tube 200. The filler material can be, for example, compressed smoking herbs.

In some embodiments, the diameter D at the distal end 201 of the cone 200 can be, for example, between about 2 millimeters and about 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter D can be any suitable diameter, such as, for example, greater than about 8 millimeters. Similarly, in some embodiments, the diameter E at the proximal end 202 of the cone 200 can be, for example, between about 5 millimeters and about 25 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter E can be any suitable diameter, such as, for example, greater than about 25 millimeters. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length Z of the cone 200 can be, for example, between about 30 millimeters to about 200 millimeters. In some embodiments, the length Z can be any suitable length, such as, for example, greater than about 200 millimeters.

FIGS. 93A-93C are schematic illustrations of a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of a holder plate 210 coupled to a base board 214, respectively. The holder plate 210 and the base board 214 can be similar in structure and function to the holder plate 110 and the base board 114 described above. The holder plate 210 includes a first side 211, a second side 212, and a plurality of through-holes 213 extending from the first side 211 to the second side 212. Each of the through-holes 213 can be shaped and sized to receive an empty smoke cone, such as the empty smoke cone 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 92A-92C. For example, the through-holes 213 can be conically shaped. Although only one through-hole 213 is shown in phantom in FIG. 93A, the holder plate 210 can define any suitable number of through-holes 213, such as, for example, four hundred and thirty-five through-holes 213.

The holder plate 210 can be maintained a distance above the base board 214 by a number of legs 215. For example, the holder plate 210 can include or be coupled to four legs 215 such that one leg 215 supports each of four corners of the holder plate 210. In some embodiments, the legs 215 can be separately formed and coupled to the holder plate 210 via any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, the legs 215 can sit under the holder plate 210 without being attached to the holder plate 210. The legs 215 can support the holder plate 210 above the base board 214 such that the distance from the first side 211 to a support surface 216 of the base board 214 is equal to or greater than the length of an empty smoke cone, such as, for example, the length Z of the cone 200.

Additionally, the holder plate 210 and the legs 215 can define alignment through-holes 217, as shown in phantom in FIG. 93B. For example, the holder plate 210 and the legs 215 can define four alignment through-holes 217, with a through-hole 217 defined through each corner of the holder plate 210, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the base board 214 can define corresponding alignment detents 218 extending partially though the base board 214. The holder plate 210 can be configured to be aligned relative to the base board 214 such that the alignment through-holes 217 of the holder plate 210 align with the alignment detents 218 in the base board 214. Additionally, the alignment through-holes 217 in the holder plate 210 and the alignment detents 218 can have similar diameters such that an alignment peg (such as alignment peg 219 described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C) can be inserted through one of the through-holes 217 and into one of the alignment detents 218. Thus, the holder plate 210 can be aligned and secured relative to the base board 214 via the alignment pegs 219.

The holder plate 210 can be used with the compression assembly 181 similarly or the same as the holder plate 110. For example, the carriage assembly 149 can be used to compress a filler material 282 within the cones 200 using the same process as described above with reference to filler material 182 within the tubes 100. The filler material 282 can be the same or similar to filler material 182, such as, for example, smoking herbs. In some embodiments, the filler material 282 may or may not be tobacco. Additionally, the holder plate 210 can be used within a holder plate assembly that can be similar in structure and/or function as the holder plate assembly 125. For example, the holder plate 210 can be used with a cover plate 220 and alignment pegs 219, which can be the same or similar in structure and/or function as the cover plate 220 and the alignment pegs 219, respectively.

When the cones 200 are filled with compressed filler material 282 via a cycle similar as described in FIGS. 67-90B, the alignment pegs 219 can be removed via the through-holes in the cover plate 220, as shown in FIG. 94A. Thus, as shown in FIG. 94B, the legs 215, which can have a similar structure and function to lifter blocks 185 described above, can be removed from beneath the holder plate 210. In some embodiments, the legs 215 are removable as a result of no longer being secured in place relative to the holder plate 210 by the alignment pegs 219. The cover plate 220 can be removed from the top of the holder plate 210.

As shown in FIG. 94C, after the legs 215 are removed from the beneath the holder plate 210, the holder plate 210 can be lowered to sit directly on the support surface 216 of the base board 214. The movement of the holder plate 210 toward the base board 214 can be relative to the cones 200 within the through-holes 213 of the base board 214. Thus, as the holder plate 210 moves downward, the filled cones 200 can be ejected out of the top surface 211 of the holder plate 210, as shown in FIG. 94D. As shown in FIG. 95E, the filled cones 200 can then be fully removed from the top of the holder plate 210.

FIGS. 95A-95D are a perspective view, a side view, a distal end view, and a proximal end view of a filled cone 200. As shown, the interior cavity 206 of the tube 200 is filled with compressed or compacted filler material 282 (e.g., compressed smoking herbs).

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components and/or features of the different embodiments described. 

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a holder plate having a first side and a second side, the holder plate defining a plurality of through-holes extending from the first side to the second side, each through-hole configured to receive a container of a plurality of containers, each container of the plurality of containers having a first open end, a second end closed by a filter, and an interior cavity between the first open end and the filter, each through-hole configured to maintain one the plurality of containers in an upright position relative to a support surface; and a carriage assembly including at least one carriage plate and a plurality of tamper rods, the at least one carriage plate defining a plurality of through-holes, each of the plurality of tamper rods slidably disposed in a respective one of the plurality of through-holes of the at least one carriage plate, each of the plurality of tamper rods independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the plurality of tamper rods and independently movable relative to the other of the plurality of tamper rods, wherein the carriage assembly configured to be aligned with the holder plate such that the each of the plurality of tamper rods can be slidably disposed within a respective one of the plurality of containers to provide a compressive force to a filler material within the interior cavity of each respective one of the plurality of containers.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate, the cover plate defining a plurality of through-holes, the plurality of through-holes of the cover plate having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate, the cover plate configured to be arranged on the holder plate such that the plurality of through-holes of the cover plate are axially aligned with the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an alignment peg configured to extend through an alignment hole defined by the holder plate and into an alignment hole defined by the cover plate such that, when the alignment peg is disposed within the alignment hole defined by the holder plate and the alignment hole defined by the cover plate, the plurality of through-holes defined by the holder plate are axially aligned with the through-holes defined by the cover plate.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate can be cylindrically-shaped and the container is a smoking article tube.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate can be conically-shaped and the container is a smoking article cone.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filler material is a non-tobacco smoking herb.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of tamper rods includes a stop pin near a proximal end of the at least one of the plurality of tamper rods, the stop pin having a length greater than the diameter of the corresponding through-hole of the plurality of through-holes of the carriage plate within which the at least one of the plurality of tamper rods is slidably disposed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight assembly, the counterweight assembly including at least one counterweight and at least one handle, the counterweight assembly coupled to the carriage assembly such that movement of the handle can control the vertical position of the carriage assembly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of tamper rods includes a flat distal end.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate have a constant diameter from the first side to the second side of the holder plate.
 11. A method, comprising: inserting each of a plurality of containers into a respective one of a plurality of through-holes defined in a holder plate such that the plurality of containers are maintained in an upright position relative to a support surface on which the holder plate is disposed; disposing filler material within an interior cavity of each of the plurality of containers; lowering a carriage assembly including a plurality of tamper rods such that each of the plurality of tamper rods is disposed in an interior of a respective one of the containers and applies a compressive force to the filler material within the respective one of the containers, the plurality of tamper rods being independently weighted to provide a force independent of the other of the plurality of tamper rods and independently movable relative to the other of the plurality of tamper rods; raising the frame assembly such that the plurality of tamper rods are removed from the interiors of each of the containers; and removing the containers filled with compressed filler material from the holder plate.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the removing comprises: raising the holder plate relative to the support surface; lowering the carriage assembly such that the plurality of tamper rods applies a pressure to the filler material such that the containers filled with compressed filler material are pushed out of the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the raising comprises placing one or more blocks on the support surface underneath the holder plate.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising disposing additional filler material within an interior cavity of each of the plurality of containers and lowering the carriage assembly such that the plurality of tamper rods applies a compressive force to the additional filler material such that the additional filler material is compressed within the plurality of containers.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising arranging a cover plate on a top surface of the holder plate, the cover plate defining through-holes having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the through-holes at the top surface of the holder plate, the arranging including arranging the cover plate such that the through-holes of the cover plate are axially aligned with the through-holes of the holder plate.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the disposing comprises spreading the filler material across the cover plate such that the filler material falls through the through-holes defined by the cover plate and into the interior cavities of the plurality of containers.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the removing comprises: lowering the holder plate relative to the support surface such that the support surface applies a pressure to the containers filled with compressed filler material causing the containers to be pushed upward out of the plurality of through-holes of the holder plate.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the lowering comprises removing one or more blocks from between the support surface and the holder plate.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the filler material is a non-tobacco smoking herb. 